Governor Scott and First Lady Scott Welcome Florida’s Delegation to Japan and Honor Phillip Brown with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott yesterday formally welcomed Florida’s Delegation to Japan where they thanked them for attending and promoting Florida as the number one business destination in the United States.

Governor Scott said, “Ann and I are excited to be here and we are committed to growing Florida’s relationship with Japan. This is our 10th trade mission, and our first to Asia. My number one priority is to create jobs for Florida families, and I look forward to more good jobs news coming out of this trip for Florida’s families.”

During the event, Phillip Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, was honored with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for his work in building international relationships throughout central Florida and for his efforts to continue to create jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

KEY FACTS

A delegation of more than 20 business leaders to Japan will focus on increasing business development opportunities for companies from Japan to invest, grow and create jobs in Florida.

Over the duration of the trip, Governor Scott will meet with more than a dozen leading Japanese companies, and speak to more than 350 business leaders at seminars and forums promoting Florida as a super-state for business.

Japan is the number one country that invests in Florida in terms of property, plant and equipment.

There are more than 200 Japanese-owned companies in the state which account for over 20,000 Florida jobs.

Japan is Florida’s 2nd largest import market and Japan is Florida’s 8th largest merchandise trading partner.

The mission’s goal is to recruit more foreign direct investment (FDI) for Florida and to encourage Japanese-owned businesses in the state to expand. According to the latest available data, more than 2,500 FDI establishments in Florida account for 236,000 jobs.

In 2012, Japanese companies exported $6.7 billion dollars to Florida, an increase of 19 percent over the previous year.

More than 270,000 Japanese tourists visit Florida annually.

In 2012, Governor Scott’s active and innovative approach to promoting international business won him an award as the top U.S. governor for foreign direct investment strategy from London-based fDi Magazine.

Total expected export sales reported by Florida companies that attended Governor Scott led international missions is more than $400 million.